At the time of our stories, the Roman army was disorganized and poorly trained.

In order to join a Roman legion, recruits had to be Roman citizens and pass a medical test.

New recruits in the Roman army did not undergo basic physical training; they were sent immediately to their units and were expected to be battle-ready right away.

Swords and shields were the only weapons used by Roman legionary soldiers.

Although Romans had invented the javelin, they rarely used these weapons in combat because of the risk that they could be thrown back by an enemy.

At the time of our stories, Roman soldiers wore solid metal armor, heavy boots, and large helmets that made it difficult to hear or see clearly in battle.

It was considered very important for Roman soldiers to be able to build their own temporary camps.

At the time of our stories, legionary troops spent almost all their time fighting.

Roman soldiers received double pay for combat duty.

Roman soldiers were required to pay for their own food, clothing, and equipment out of their salaries.

When they retired, Roman soldiers were given about ten years' pay or a plot of land.

Centurions, the approximate equivalent of sergeants in the American army, received the same pay as an ordinary soldier.

The Roman army did not permit non-citizens to serve in the legions, but non-citizens were able to serve as cavalry and as archers.

Non-citizens who served in the auxiliaries received Roman citizenship when they retired from military service.